As a practicing chiropractor, I support this request for rule change to increase the educational requirement for future chiropractors coming to the Commonwealth of Virginia.  First, many of the mid-atlantic states have already raised their state's requirement to a 4 year degree prior to matriculation into chiropractic college.  Their goal is to have the best trained chiropractors coming to their states.  The requiremnt does not go into effect until 2010 which does not effect anyone already in the program.  The regulation would not effect anyone already licensed in another state who wishes to come to Virginia, as long as they meet the current licensure requirements.  The national accrediting agency (CCE) is looking to implament this requirement sometime in the future but is having difficulty because of pressure from chiropractic colleges who fear their student pool will shrink if states require a 4 year degree prior to matriculation.  Though more education does not necessarily mean a better doctor, history shows us that by raising educational requirements, our institutions raise their standards and the public benefits in the long run.

Again, I support the request for increasing the educational requirements for future chiropractors coming to Virginia.

William R. Thesier, DC